Pep Guardiola was fuming with his players despite Manchester City beating Leeds on Saturday. The German midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, had scored twice in the first-half to give City a comfortable lead, but on the 84th minute, Phil Foden was fouled in the box and with first-choice penalty takers Erling Haaland and Riyad Mahrez still on the pitch it was expected that one of them would take the spot-kick. However, Haaland handed the ball to his captain, giving Gundogan the chance to score his first career hattrick. Unfortunately, Gundogan’s effort hit the post and Leeds got a goal back just a minute later courtesy of Rodrigo.
Though City held on for a 2-1 win that has extended their lead over title-rivals Arsenal to four points, Guardiola was visibly furious with Haaland for giving up the penalty, shouting ‘you have to take it’ at his star striker. ‘Who knows if Erling takes the penalty and misses? What happens if Riyad takes the penalty and misses? What happens if Ilkay Gundogan takes the penalty and scores?’ Guardiola asked post-match. ‘The question is if it’s 2-0, who is the taker? The taker is Erling or Riyad, has to take it. Second point is that is shows how is Erling as a person. He wants to score goals, but at the same time the team, the mates are so important.’
The manager went on to explain that Haaland is ‘ruthless’ but also ‘generous’ for giving Gundogan the chance to score his first hattrick. He also said that at 2-0, the game should be closed off and no chances should be given. Haaland has taken nine penalties for City this season, missing just one, while Gundogan has now converted just four of his seven for the Citizens. Guardiola praised Haaland for his performance despite not scoring any goals, saying ‘Today Erling could have scored two or three goals. He played incredibly well, in his movement and everything… how he fought for us. I like to praise Erling when he does not score.’